Explaining the different methods of cooling the computer and the best of them
We all know that computers , whether desktop or portable, need effective cooling to operate efficiently. With the development of technology in recent years, computers have come to require new and advanced cooling technologies to keep pace with this tremendous development. In the following lines, we will review the best ways to cool the computer to get the best possible performance without the need to change hardware parts.
Overheating of your computer or laptop can lead to major problems, so it is necessary to choose the right cooling method to keep your device in good condition and avoid any performance problems. When you open your desktop computer, you will usually find a small fan above the processor for cooling, but in many cases this fan is not enough to provide adequate cooling for the computer, especially when temperatures rise in the summer, so we will discuss the best ways to cool the computer in the following lines.
Best ways to cool your computer
When it comes to cooling hot computer parts, there are two ways to do it:
- The first is by air cooling.
- Second by water cooling
The two methods differ in many things, such as the cooling method itself and the purposes, but in general, water cooling is much better than air cooling and gives amazing results and better performance, especially in areas that require high capabilities. Let us learn about the two types in more detail.
Air cooling for computer
Air cooling is one of the most common computer cooling methods among users, as it suits people who use the computer for simple tasks that do not require large resources and capabilities such as games and editing programs. This does not mean that air cooling cannot be used when it comes to games and other programs, but those games and programs must be compatible with your device's capabilities and do not constitute any additional load on the hardware components. The price of air cooling is much lower than water cooling. Here are 3 different methods of air cooling:
1- Cooling by aluminum radiator
This method relies on using a small aluminum cooler called a heat sink that is placed over the components that produce high temperatures in the motherboard.
Most computer users may have seen this cooler before, but the question is how does this cooler cool the components with high temperatures? The answer lies in the nature of its design, as it consists of hollow columns that allow air to pass through them.
When the air circulates inside the computer, heat is drawn from the processor and expelled outside through one of the existing ports. Although this method is no longer used to cool processors today, it is still used to cool some components in the motherboard.
2- Cooling by fan
This method is well known among computer users, whether casual or advanced, as it is considered one of the most common methods of cooling a computer. If you are a casual user or do not tend to overclock, then you are definitely using fan cooling. This method is very effective and cheap, and usually comes free with most processors. These fans provide good cooling and do not make much noise, which makes them a popular and easy-to-install option as they can be installed on any motherboard without conflicting with other components.
This method depends on adding a fan above the heat sink mentioned in the first method, as the fan pulls hot air from the hot part to the outside, which provides good cooling and is suitable for use in many purposes.
3- Use a larger heat sink.
This method relies on using a large aluminum heat sink that has larger holes to allow better airflow. You can use this cooler with large, improved fans to get stronger performance, or use it alone to get a computer free of the noise made by fans when temperatures rise significantly. However, it should be noted that this type of cooler may conflict with the rest of the computer components if your device is not designed to modify the cooling to suit this type. For a better experience, make sure to have fans to improve airflow. This option is considered the cheapest when comparing performance with noise level.
Water cooling for computer
Water cooling is considered the best way to cool a computer, especially for tasks that require large resources. This cooling system is very effective in cooling hardware components in a wonderful way, as it depends on the passage of a cold liquid inside tubes (usually water) to transfer heat away from hot hardware components such as the processor and graphics card. This method is characterized by being very effective for cooling and also does not make a loud noise as sometimes happens in air cooling.
This method is considered much more expensive than air cooling methods for computers, as it may be more complex and consists of several expensive parts. Water cooling methods for computers are divided into two types:
1- Closed-Loop Water Cooling
Closed water cooling is one of the best ways to cool a computer. It is a pre-assembled system that comes ready to use right away. This system is easy to install without the need to assemble several separate components and usually does not require periodic maintenance. It is safe and its design reduces the risk of leakage. This system provides excellent cooling and is suitable for most needs.
This system may be difficult to modify and customize, and it may wear out over time and be difficult to repair easily. The available options may be limited, as it depends on cooling a single piece of hardware, such as the processor or graphics card, without the rest of the hardware in the device.
2- Open-Loop Water Cooling
Open water cooling, also known as custom cooling, is a system that can be assembled and customized from separate components as needed. It is considered the best way to cool a computer. It is characterized by high flexibility as it can be fully customized to suit your needs and work requirements. It also provides superior performance due to the high cooling it provides. It can also cool several components efficiently at the same time. It can also be designed attractively through transparent pipes and RGB lighting with a wonderful shape.
The disadvantages of this system are that it requires a high level of knowledge because the installation may be difficult, and it also requires periodic maintenance to check the coolant levels. It also requires accurate installation to avoid leakage, which may cause significant damage to the computer components. Due to the multiple components of this system, its cost may be high due to the need to purchase separate components.
Your choice between closed and open water cooling depends on your needs, budget, and level of skill in installation and maintenance. If you are looking for a simple and effective solution without complications, closed cooling may be the best choice. However, if you want to achieve the highest possible performance and customize the entire cooling system to your requirements, open cooling may be the better choice.
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